Why are we ignoring the diversity in neurodiversity?

Too often, our conversations about inclusion take place in siloes: mental health in one corner, race in another, and neurodiversity in another. But segmenting these conversations prevents us from taking action: as Audre Lorde says “there’s no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives”.

Atif Choudhury, CEO of disabledperson-led social enterprise Diversity and Ability, highlights the disparity in experiences between white neurodiverse people and their Black and brown counterparts: “The impact of neurodiversity can be one of wonder, joy, and celebration for some people. Some people get the opportunity to learn about it early in life and get supported in that learning. For others, due to skin colour, class, or culture, it can be a conversation deeply rooted in shame. Many don’t have the space to find out that their differences could be accepted, let alone seen as an asset.”

Conversations about neurodiversity are becoming more and more commonplace, a welcome shift for those of us who have spent much of our lives working to hide, mask or downplay the way our brains work in order to fit in.

But, even within the neurodiversity community, we often only hear about one type of person: the successful, white innovator or disruptor who looks and sounds a certain way. Rarely, if ever, is it acknowledged that not everyone fits this description or has the same access to a diagnosis or support.

It’s crucial to understand the impact this has: a 2021 review of neurodiversity in the prison system suggested that half of the UK’s prison population could reasonably be expected to be neurodiverse. When Black people and those from other racially minoritised groups make up 27% of the prison population (and only 13% of the general population), the facts suggest that undersupported neurodiversity in Black and minority ethnic populations is disproportionately linked to incarceration.

Despite the complex barriers to diagnosis, participation and success, neurodiverse People of Colour are forging change at systemic levels. Atif has partnered with Carolyn Baguma, Inclusion Consultant at Diversity and Ability, to launch the landmark course Neurodiversity: Race and Realities. The course will equip educators and practitioners with a knowledge of the real experiences of Black and brown neurodiverse people, and how we can remove or mitigate the intersectional barriers they face in their day-to-day lives, education and careers. “Until now, there has been an acknowledgement that the neurodiversity sphere needs to be more intersectionally inclusive,” Atif says. “It’s time to move from talk into action.”

How can we work towards an equitable conversation about neurodiversity and one that everyone can participate in? The solution lies in centering the experiences of those who have historically been excluded. This course provides an opportunity to make that a reality. Register your interest in attending the course at info.diversityandability.com/ neurodiversity-race